Like the average stereotypical female presented on mainstream media, I am crazy about shopping. Think of me as the reincarnated form of TV’s most infamous “Manolo-Blahnik-hoarder” Carrie Bradshaw from Sex & the City or the obsessive shopaholic Becky Bloomwood from Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic book series… if you must (not that I would mind).
Fashion speaks to me in ways that I can’t explain and yes, I use this justification whenever I purchase an item from a shopping excursion. I love clothes, I love shoes, I love bags, and I love all sorts of manifestations of fashion; I love them in all forms of colors and labels so as long as they’re pretty to and on me. I shop just about anywhere, I’m not discriminatory at all—you can find me hoarding designer items, high street apparel, and even bazaar finds! Each has its merits but I think, if you want instant gratification without the “ouch” in your pouch, then you should totally give “bazaar shopping” a try!
Coming from the recent installment of the Blogger’s United event, an interactive bazaar where fashionable blogger personalities would find new homes for their pre-loved items at a reasonable price, I finally understood the appeal. Back then, I thought that “bazaars” were merely a trend, a way for online shops to congregate so they can display their items real-time as a way to meet potential customers and at the same time boost sales. I figured, maybe it’ll simmer down eventually. Having talked to a few readers and customers in Blogger’s United, I realized through them that bazaars are a staple—they’re each unique in their own way—and yes, they’re here to stay. There may be lean months where the rest of the population might not be too keen on bazaar shopping, but I think there are also lucrative months for it especially when strategically held during in-demand season.
Anyway, that’s beside the point. What I’m trying to say is that bazaars are a part of the fashionable Filipino’s pop culture in the very same way that Taiwan has their night markets or Japan has Harajuku/Shibuya fashion districts. As mentioned, people flock to it precisely because they want to have a cheap shopping thrill but apart from that, I think it’s the overwhelming amount of selection that also attracts people. I mean, it is nice to be able to find a trendy piece, reserve it, and scour the other booths for a cheaper/better option—think of it as the Amazing Race of shopping, first one to find the cheaper and nicer item wins (or at least, gets the buyer’s gratification instead of remorse).
Personally, I also like the fact that I get something cheap but at the same time limited, you know what I’m saying? Before, when I wanted to shop for something cheap for instant gratification, I would visit international chains selling mass-produced items. But I was aware of the risk that by buying this item, I would have something that 100 other Filipinas would own (and would possibly wear at the same time). With bazaar shopping, I’m a bit confident that I would reduce the duplicity by 80 percent.
So now, I’m exploring all sorts of bazaars with a renewed mind and heart. Instead of merely participating in the next few runs, I’ll be on the look out for fashion “steals.” Here are two on my list that you might be interested in:
1. Big Brands Sale on May 30 to June 1 in SM Megamall Megatrade Hall – the great thing about this sale is that their concessionaires are varied—they not only have big name fashion brands selling items for 80 off but also electronics, sportswear, and perfume brands! Likewise, the venue is very accessible and you can opt to pay via credit card!
2. Superb Bazaar on May 30 to June 1 in SMX Convention Center – I’ve always been a loyal follower of the Superb/Supersale bazaar franchise if only because they have quite the volume of fashion-centric shops. If you’re a certified fashionista, you will definitely enjoy your Superb experience!
So that’s about it. Happy shopping!
(Dominique Tiu is a twenty-something self-declared fashion blogger-cum-stylist. She loves Asian fashion and applies the Japanese style philosophy to her burgeoning Western-directed wardrobe. She blogs at konichiwear.com and can be reached at [email protected], @dominiquetiu on Twitter, and dominiquetiu on Instagram.)